Senior Technical Specialist (Actinide Analysis and Spectroscopy)

Job reference: SAE-032177
Salary: £47,389 to £58,225 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: FSE Technical Services
Hours Per Week: Full Time
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 01/09/2026
Contract Duration: Exact contract duration dependent on start date - funding ends 31st March 2031.
School/Directorate: Faculty Office - Science and Engineering

This role provides senior technical leadership in actinide analysis and spectroscopy within the Actinides Centre of Excellence (ACE; https://www.awe.co.uk/2026/06/awe-and-the-university-of-manchester-launch-actinides-centre-of-excellence/ ), a collaboration between the University of Manchester and AWE. ACE is a 5 year research programme across three key theme areas to undertake fundamental research into actinide materials, and has the intention to grow by the inclusion of other national partners and universities.

The postholder will lead the specification, operation and optimisation of specialist equipment and processes used to support advanced nuclear research, particularly in the use of spectroscopic and radiometric techniques to support the quantification of actinide containing samples in both solution and solid states. Working collaboratively with academic, technical and external partners, the role will deliver high-quality research support, specialist training and technical innovation, while ensuring safe, compliant and efficient operation of nuclear laboratory facilities. This role will contribute to strengthening research capability, supporting growth of ACE activities, and delivering impactful outcomes for the nuclear sector. This role offers the opportunity to lead the technical delivery of the analytical and spectroscopy requirements in actinides R&D, working in conjunction with the ACE team of academics, PDRAs and PhD students, to meet the following specific aims:

• Development of advanced techniques and procedures for actinide analysis and spectroscopy needs in academic and industrial environments.
• Development and implementation of actinide sample containment procedures to ensure worker safety, instrument preservation and high-quality analytical/spectroscopic outputs.
• Provide specialist training and advice for ACE users, particularly when utilising newly acquired and bespoke designed instrumentation.
• Drive continuous improvement of technical services within ACE to strengthen research capability and outputs in nuclear science and engineering.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Marc Schmidt (Senior Technical Specialist)

Email: marc.schmidt@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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